Career comparison
Roof Bolter vs. Underground Mining Loader Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Roof bolters earn more at the median ($78,540 vs. $74,500), while underground mining loader operators usually get to work faster (Weeks to months of training of training). Roof bolters install bolts that hold up the roof in underground mines. Underground mining loader operators run loaders and shuttle cars that move ore and coal underground.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Roof Bolter | Underground Mining Loader Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $78,540 ($37.76/hr) | $74,500 ($35.82/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $63,750 – $92,830 | $52,030 – $87,730 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -18.9% (a projected decline) | -15.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Months of on-the-job training | Weeks to months of training |
| Key credential | MSHA Part 48 | MSHA Part 48 |
| Work setting | Roof bolters work underground in mines.. | Operators work underground in mines.. |
What each job does
Roof Bolter
- Drill roof holes
- Install bolts
- Install mesh
- Test roof conditions
- Follow ground control plans
Underground Mining Loader Operator
- Operate loaders
- Load ore or coal
- Run shuttle cars
- Clean up spills
- Inspect equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, shift work, and teamwork. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose roof bolter if…
- I can work underground
- I take safety seriously
- I like machines
Choose underground mining loader operator if…
- I can work underground
- I like machines
- I stay focused
Still torn? Take the Roof Bolter fit quiz and the Underground Mining Loader Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roof bolter or underground mining loader operator?
Roof Bolters earn more at the median: $78,540 versus $74,500 for underground mining loader operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Underground Mining Loader Operators typically train faster (Weeks to months of training) than roof bolters (Months of on-the-job training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects underground mining loader operators to grow -15.8% from 2025–35, compared with -18.9% for roof bolters.